Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Pirelli P Zero PZ4
Across the tests, Michelin consistently converts small dry gaps and notably stronger wet safety margins into higher overall rankings and superior cost-per-km. Pirelli counters with crisper turn-in, frequent wins in dynamic handling metrics, and lower cabin noise, but it's hampered by higher wear and weaker aquaplaning resistance in several sizes-especially when an OE-specific PZ4 was included.
Test Results
Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been seven tests which compare both tires directly!
| Tire | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | four | |
| Pirelli P Zero PZ4 | two | |
| one draws in one tests | ||
While it might look like the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is better than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.
Key Strengths
- Excellent wet safety: consistently shorter wet braking and stronger aquaplaning resistance
- Outstanding longevity and lower cost-per-km
- Balanced, predictable handling with precise steering and stability
- Competitive rolling resistance aiding efficiency
- Sharp, engaging dry and wet handling with neutral balance
- Lower external noise levels
- Often lower purchase price
- Strong dry grip and braking with sporty feedback
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four dry braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 1% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Dry Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
| 2023 Summer Tire Market Overview 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:34.1M | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34M |
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:34.7M | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.5M |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:32.5M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32.7M |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:34.1M | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34M |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:33.5M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.6M |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:33.5M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 33.9M |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:33.5M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 34.6M |
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.06% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:100.1s | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 100.1s |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:69.6s | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 69.5s |
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.67% faster around a lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:114.6Km/H | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 115.1Km/H |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:119.1Km/H | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 121.3Km/H |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:120.5Km/H | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 120.2Km/H |
Wet Braking
Looking at data from seven tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stopped the vehicle in 4.34% less distance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
| 2023 Summer Tire Market Overview 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:26M | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 24.9M |
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:39.1M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 41.3M |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:39.9M | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 39.6M |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:40.6M | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 38.9M |
| 2025 Summer Tire Test Shootout 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:27.7M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32.3M |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:44.4M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 45.2M |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:43.2M | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 50.5M |
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [s] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 1.3% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:67.9s | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 66.7s |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:70.8s | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 70.2s |
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.59% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:84.8Km/H | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 85.2Km/H |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:75.5Km/H | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 77.2Km/H |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:73.3Km/H | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 72.6Km/H |
Wet Circle
Looking at data from four tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three wet circle tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was 0.24% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Wet Circle: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:11.13s | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 11.05s |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:13.52s | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 13.41s |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:11.2s | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 11.18s |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:14.83s | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 14.91s |
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during four straight aqua tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 floated at a 0.67% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Straight Aqua: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:77.9Km/H | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 77.5Km/H |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:77.1Km/H | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 79.3Km/H |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:105.7Km/H | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 104.4Km/H |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:75.7Km/H | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 73Km/H |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:80.5Km/H | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 79.9Km/H |
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 slipped out at a 5.07% higher speed than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:2.96m/sec2 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 2.75m/sec2 |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:3.83m/sec2 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 3.8m/sec2 |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:3.25m/sec2 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 2.99m/sec2 |
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from two tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 scored 8.33% more points than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:7 Points | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 6 Points |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:5 Points | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 5 Points |
Noise
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during five noise tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 measured 1.61% quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Noise: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:68.3dB | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 66.9dB |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:72dB | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 70dB |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:73.8dB | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 73.7dB |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:71dB | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 69dB |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:74.3dB | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 74dB |
Wear
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three wear tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 is predicted to cover 38.85% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Wear: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:55600KM | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32800KM |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:45000KM | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 32500KM |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:52170KM | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 28120KM |
Value
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three value tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 proved to have a 33.26% better value based on price/1000km than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Value: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:12.5Price/1000 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 19.51Price/1000 |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:16.67Price/1000 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 21.38Price/1000 |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.74Price/1000 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 15.93Price/1000 |
Price
Looking at data from three tire tests, the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 was better during three price tests. On average the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 cost 9.9% less than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5.
Best In Price: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:500 | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 435 |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:825 | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 745 |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:695 | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 640 |
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from five tire tests, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was better during three rolling resistance tests. On average the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 had a 4.99% lower rolling resistance than the Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.62kg / t | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.83kg / t |
| 2023 AZ UHP Summer Tire Test 235/35 R19 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.37kg / t | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 9.46kg / t |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
✓ Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.09kg / t | Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.33kg / t |
| 2025 AZ Summer Tire Test 225/45 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.85kg / t | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.6kg / t |
| 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test 225/40 R18 |
Michelin Pilot Sport 5:8.94kg / t | ✓ Pirelli P Zero PZ4: 8.88kg / t |
Abrasion
Best In Abrasion: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Driver Reviews
Across 75 reviews, drivers largely praise the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 for outstanding wet and dry grip, confidence-inspiring stability, and strong comfort/refinement for daily use. Many report very good to exceptional tread life, though a notable minority cite quicker wear, understeer/numb steering feel, and occasional out-of-round/noise issues; overall sentiment is strongly positive for road-focused performance.
Based on 81 reviews with an average rating of 86%
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Driver Reviews
Most drivers find the Pirelli P Zero PZ4 strong in dry grip, steering feedback, and high-speed stability, with many high-scoring reviews praising its handling and comfort (often when warm and/or OE-tuned). However, a recurring downside is fast wear and deteriorating performance/noise as tread drops, plus below-average aquaplaning resistance and weaker wet performance when cold or worn. Overall sentiment is moderately positive given the weighted praise, but longevity and wet/aquaplaning are common complaints.
Based on 75 reviews with an average rating of 73%
Replace very very good Yokohama V105 one year old.
To try them out.
First-class comfort (top) + rolling silence
A little above the Yoko on the dry,
In the rain, they are incredible ! Well above all that I have tried :
Dunlop RT, PS3, Yoko V105, Hankook V12 K110.
No idea about wear again ... The +:
- Braking (this is a big highlight)
- Motricity
- Handling
They are equipped with protections of the rims although the option is not specified (in France).
The sides are stiffer than the PS3 for... Continue reading this review using the link below
Conclusion
The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 remains a compelling driver's tire-alert steering, frequent wins in wet/dry handling laps, quieter pass-by noise, and a lower purchase price in many cases. However, its shorter lifespan and occasionally weaker wet margins and aquaplaning limit its overall value proposition. If you prioritize confidence in the wet and total ownership cost, choose Michelin. If you want taut responses and a quieter, more playful feel-and accept higher wear-Pirelli delivers. Practical takeaway: PS5 for everyday fast road use and long mileage, PZ4 for weekend drives where steering feel matters most.
Key Differences
- Wet braking: Michelin frequently 10-15% shorter; Pirelli occasionally ahead but usually trails
- Aquaplaning: Michelin stronger in both straight and curved; Pirelli more vulnerable
- Longevity: Michelin wear life ~35-85% higher across tests
- Value: Michelin markedly lower cost per 1,000 km despite higher upfront price
- Noise: Pirelli consistently quieter by ~2 dB in several tests
- Handling feel: Pirelli crisper and more dynamic; Michelin more stable and predictable
Overall Winner: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Based on the tire test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tire has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tire buying choice.Similar Comparisons
Looking for more tire comparisons? Here are other direct comparisons involving these tires:
Footnote
This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.
Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.